The Fab 5 who have done Indian cricket proud will be missed at the 2015 World Cup

One team but different expectations and different outcomes best describe December 4, 2014 – the day when the Indian selectors announced the 30-man squad for the 2015 ICC World Cup. When Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir woke up yesterday, they would not have expected the day to unfold in the manner it did, with them being excluded from the list of Indian probables for the showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand. They were, after all, the architects of India’s World Cup triumph in 2011.   Whether or not their non-inclusion marks an end to their glorious careers, only time will tell. But if these great performers are not going to be seen on the field in Indian colours ever again, then a salute to them for their outstanding achievements is the least we can do to acknowledge their contributions. You men did Indian cricket proud. 

#1 Gautam Gambhir

One of the most reliable openers India has ever had, Gautam Gambhir will probably not don the India cap anymore. He scored an all-important 97 to help India lift the much-coveted World Cup in 2011. He was also instrumental in India’s 2007 World T20 win. He was an integral part of the Indian team till 2012. After that, however, his journey has been moving along a curvy road. His last ODI for India was against England in January 2013.

The man has gone through a patchy phase without doubt, but the 33-year-old has a lot of experience of playing big matches. Having led KKR twice to title victories and having played well in pressure games (finals) before, his experience and his aggression would have undoubtedly come in handy during the quadrennial tournament.